How to ensure the quality of the safety net you just installed?

In our previous post we discussed about the various nets, its materials, things you should be aware of before installing and more.

Since we discussed all the basics about safety nets up to the installation step of the process.

Looking at the posts from a home owner, builder or engineer’s perspective. The next natural question that can pop up in anyone’s mind is “how do you ensure the quality of the nets you installed”.

When it comes to safety, it’s always good to cross check often. That is pretty much it.

Safety nets are mostly evaluated through a simple visual inspection method, however it is extremely important to know what to look for when inspecting your safety net.

Usually visual inspections are carried out by competent personnel in order to ensure that the nets are in perfect condition to serve its purpose.

However in our homes we are the competent personnel and would sometimes need to take the matter into our own hands.

Since this is a safety issue professional help is always recommended.

This guide is only meant to educate you on a few simple visual cues which will let you know that it’s time to seek professional help or change your current netting setup.

There are multiple things to look out for, after your first safety net installation.

Visual inspections include checking for:

Faulty Installation
Mesh abrasion
Cuts or nicks in mesh
Heat or friction damage to mesh
Stitching damage
Damaged or deformed fittings
Dirt or debris in the net
Defects in knots (if knotted mesh)
UV deterioration (generally not seen with a visual inspection).

If a net does not pass the visual inspection. Either remove and repair it, or take it out of service permanently.

General testing includes visual inspection, measuring, and weighing the safety net.

Testing for damage from Sunlight (or UV degradation)

UV ray or sunlight damage is one of the most difficult of damages to spot or identify. Because when it comes to sunlight damage it’s often not realized till the net is weighed.

Safety nets must be tested once every 12 months on the bare minimum.

The person inspecting the net should ensure that the same minimum absorption capacity will be maintained by the safety nets for the next 12 months, through testing.

UV deterioration is the first thing you should check for before anything else to ensure that the net can hold its minimum absorption capacity. UV deterioration is the number reason for most safety net damages.

As it causes micro damage to the net fibers internally and can weaken the net without any much visible physical damage.

To combat this installers and engineers often use another lighter fiber net called “test meshes”. They are attached to the safety net and removed one at a time for testing annually.

Test meshes remain attached to the net until needed for testing and must not be used for any other purposes whatsoever.

Safety net with a debris problem.

Safety nets are designed to catch a falling person from hitting the ground from a balcony, high rise or under construction building.

It can also stop debris from falling and hitting people below. While this is a good thing, the other side of the story about this is that.

This advantage of using a safety net can also defeat its purpose if left unattended. Yes, I am talking about all the debris that gets collected on the nets.

Debris can damage the net and when left unattended. All this debris may add up and is highly likely to prove hazardous or even life threatening.

Here are a few things that can happen if you leave your safety nets.

injure a falling person
cause the net to overload and deflect excessively
increase the net sag and fall distance

In the event of debris falling onto a safety net, immediately stop work, remove the debris, and recheck the net with competent personnel before work continues.